Copper cookware is coveted for its beauty, but it is also a star performer in the kitchen. Copper conducts heat exceptionally well, and cools down and heats up quickly. However, copper is out of reach for many homes cooks because it is one of the most expensive types of cookware available. Before deciding whether or not copper is worth the investment for you, first read about its uses and benefits, as well as the drawbacks associated with owning copper pots and pans.
Also read best cookware set
Contents
Uses for Copper Cookware
A key benefit of copper cookware is that it is an excellent heat conductor, which means that it cooks foods more evenly than some other cookware options, including stainless steel. It also means that copper pots respond fairly quickly to changes when the heat is turned up or down during cooking, and that gives the chef better control over the cooking process. Copper conducts heat so well, in fact, that it is commonly used in professional kitchens for that reason.
The downside to most metals that conduct heat well is the fact that they tend to be reactive to acidic and alkaline foods. Copper is no exception. Ideal uses for reactive pans include searing meat, boiling water, and sautéing vegetables. However, if your copper pans are unlined, avoid cooking with beans, red sauces, wine, fruit, or any other foods that contain high levels of acid or alkaline. Pits may develop in the pans and they will then have to be replaced.
Copper Cookware Costs
Copper cookware can be as pricey as it is beautiful, which is one reason why it is much more common in professional kitchens than it is in household kitchens. For example, a single new 2-3 quart copper pot with a lid starts at about $100, but the price can reach nearly $400 for a professional grade pot. A 5-piece set of copper cookware will range between $300 for a low end set to over $2,000 for a professional grade set.
Ideal Consumer for Copper Cookware
Copper is a luxury item in the kitchen, so the everyday cook won’t necessarily have a need for copper pots and pans unless aesthetics are key and there are plans to display the cookware. However, people who spend a lot of time in the kitchen, those who entertain a lot, and even professional level home cooks and chefs would benefit from the conductivity and heat control that come with using copper pots and pans.
Copper is not for cooks who use induction stoves unless the pot has an induction disk. Also, if you are looking for pots and pans that can be transferred from the stovetop to the oven, choose your cookware very carefully, as some copper pans can be transferred and some cannot. Read the manufacturer’s instructions before you make the purchase.
Durability of Copper Cookware
The durability of copper pots and pans helps to mitigate some of the higher than average cost because, when treated and cleaned properly, copper will last for years. To ensure longevity, purchase copper pans that are lined. To maintain the integrity of the lining, avoid using any metal utensils, with the exception of whisks. The curved metal of a whisk prevents it from scratching the pan.
Not only will the lining add to the life of your copper cookware, but it can also prevent or reduce leeching due to acidic and alkaline foods. However, if your pans are unlined, or the lining has become worn, too scratched, or pitted, there is a risk of copper leeching into the food.
The cost to replace copper pans is high, but it is possible to have them relined instead. Consult a specialist for pricing, and compare it to the cost of replacement. The difference can be significant.
Cleaning Copper Cookware
Copper is beautiful, but requires special handling and care. Just as with many other types of cookware, copper should not be cleaned with abrasive scrubbers or cleaners. Do not put it in the dishwasher either. The force of the jet spray will remove the copper and blemish the exterior. Instead, wash your pots in warm water using a soft sponge or cloth and a mild dish soap. Clean the interior using a circular motion because it prevents the lining from becoming scratched.
Use a wooden spoon to gently pry free any stubborn stuck on foods. Another option to try is a baking soda paste. Baking soda is a gentle natural cleaner and works well on pots and pans without eating away at the lining. Otherwise, it is okay to soak the pot overnight in hot water. Once the pot is clean, dry it immediately with a soft cloth, or else the water will stain the copper exterior.
The copper may eventually become scratched and dull in appearance. Many cooks like the look of aged copper, while others want to keep their pots and pans looking new. If you enjoy the appearance of well-used copper, take care to occasionally check for dark spots, as that is a sign of tarnish. If you observe this on your pans it’s best to polish them because the tarnish causes the pans to cook unevenly since it creates hot spots.
To maintain the shiny copper look, you can either polish your pots and pans with a commercial product, or you can try an all-natural polisher. Simply rubbing the exterior of your pots with a salt-sprinkled lemon half will do the trick. Or, you can try a mixture of equal parts flour, salt and vinegar, and then buff it out once the surface is dry.
Either way you go, once you’re done polishing and buffing, wash and thoroughly dry your pans before putting them away. The polishing process should be repeated at least once every two months, but those who live in humid environments will need to polish their copper more often.
The visual presented by copper pots and pans is the selling point for many, while the control offered by way of the conductivity and heat sensitivity appeals to serious home cooks and professional chefs. If aesthetics and the ability to easily regulate the cooking experience both appeal to you, then copper cookware just may be worth the asking price.